Downloader.MDW

It allows to get into the affected computer.
It generates a large amount of network traffic activity with the consequent consumption of bandwidth.
It carries out actions that decrease the security level of the computer.
It uses anti-monitoring techniques in order to prevent it being detected by antivirus companies.
It spreads
, across the Internetand also by being downloaded by other malware.

Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:

Jan. 2, 2007

Detection updated on:

June 19, 2010

Statistics

No

Proactive protection:

Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description

Downloader.MDW is a Trojan, which although seemingly inoffensive, can actually carry out attacks and intrusions.

In the local network:
it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it notifies the attacker that the computer has been compromised and is ready to be used maliciously; it changes system permissions, decreasing the security level.

It uses several methods in order to avoid detection by antivirus companies:

It terminates its own execution if it detects that it is being executed in a virtual machine environment, such as VMWare or VirtualPC.

Downloader.MDW uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.